Guinea-Bissau Coup: Military Seizes Power, President Embalò Deposed
In a swift and decisive power grab, the military in Guinea-Bissau has seized control, effectively deposing President Umaro Sissoco Embalò. A contentious election, with both sides claiming victory, served as the backdrop to the coup. The military has since installed General Horta N'Tam as the transitional president, who will lead the West African nation for a year.
Context and Background
The coup in Guinea-Bissau comes on the heels of a hotly contested election, the results of which were expected to be announced imminently. The incumbent president, Embalò, and the opposition leader, Fernando Dias da Costa, had both claimed victory, leading to a tense stand-off.
President Embalò announced his arrest and accused the chief of staff of the country’s armed forces of being behind the coup. Soon after, soldiers appeared on state television, proclaiming the military's seizure of power and accusing the president of interfering in the electoral process.
Key Developments
In an official statement broadcast on state television, the group of officers, identifying themselves as The High Military Command for the Restoration of Order
, announced they had deposed President Embalò, suspended the electoral process, and closed national borders. A curfew was also imposed.
Brigadier General Denis N'Canha confirmed the military's complete control of the country. He was later followed by General Horta N'Tam, who was inaugurated as the head of the military government and transitional president.
The circumstances of President Embalò's departure from Guinea-Bissau remain undisclosed. He has since arrived in neighboring Senegal.
Implications and Reactions
The coup has drawn international condemnation. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Yousouf, unequivocally condemned the military coup, which led to the arrest of President Embalò and senior military officers.
The opposition has accused the president of putting a general in charge of the government so that he could stay in power. They also allege that the deposed President had fabricated the coup to avoid an election defeat.
Current Status
The military high command has appointed General Horta N'Tam as the transitional president and will oversee a one-year transition period. Meanwhile, the deposed President Embalò has arrived in Senegal, as the nation reels from the sudden and forceful takeover of power. The situation remains volatile, with the full implications of this coup yet to unfold.